The Las Cruces City Council approved the hike along with requiring Garza to take an additional two weeks of vacation, for consecutive weeks. The two-week vacation will be considered "executive leave," and will not count against the four weeks of annual leave Garza already has.

"Rewards and commendations usually are in terms of raises," Councilor Greg Smith said. "A thoughtful raise is an appropriate way to do that. I do believe the City Council is making a good choice in providing extended leave and a small raise."

The council wasted little time, voting 5-0 to adopt the amended contract. It goes into effect immediately..

However, Las Cruces resident J.D. Rodriguez said the additional two-week vacation given to Garza is extreme.

"Mr. Robert Garza is already receiving four weeks paid leave for the year. I believe (the council's) intent of providing him with an additional, allegedly mandated, two weeks is wrong for the following reasons: It would be contrary to the (state's) anti-donation clause; I do not believe the City Council has the proper vested authority to do that; it would be 'usurpation of authority'; it would create divisiveness among other top city officials; it would be preferential treatment; it is not budgeted for; (and) it would be plain wrong.

"The money would be better spent on other more worthwhile pending projects, such as the Munson Senior Citizen Center.

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But Miyagishima has said Garza's leadership has saved the city about $2 million since he was promoted to city manager in January 2011. He added Garza has earned the added contract perks, and those were approved because city managers of Garza's caliber are hard to find, and should be well compensated.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at 575-541-5452. Follow him on Twitter @SteveRamirez6